Holocaust lessons for our own time

Schools dropping Holocaust lessons (Report, April 2) are not representative, but highlight the need for more monitoring of how Holocaust education is taught. This trust teaches about the Holocaust not only for its own sake, but for the lessons it holds. We work with thousands of teachers, ensuring they are equipped to deal with the issues sensibly and sensitively. We find that learning about the Holocaust can inspire young people to make a difference today - whether in their own communities, such as campaigning against far-right groups that promote hate and division, or further afield, raising awareness about current genocides such as Darfur.

Holocaust education is crucial for young people to see where extremism can lead. That is why we are so delighted at the government's decision to support our Lessons from Auschwitz project, where we take thousands of sixth-formers to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Many of them return not just with a deeper understanding of the past, but with a real mission for the future - to ensure such events are never allowed to happen again.Karen PollockHolocaust Educational Trust

It was with little surprise that I read of schools deciding not to teach pupils about the Holocaust for fear of offending anti-semitic Muslim children. I had to remove my son from a primary school because of racist bullying by Muslim children who comprised about half the total. The teachers refused to discuss the problem with me. This despite evidence that children were being taught racist attitudes at home and as part of their religious education.

On a school visit to a synagogue, some Muslim children asked where was the trough the Jews eat out of. The teachers response to these questions was embarrassed laughter. It should be compulsory for all children in the UK to learn about other religions and for schools to openly confront the racist attitudes with which many children are inculcated even by primary school age. Parents of racist children should be threatened with similar punishments to those of truants.

If we let children emerge from full-time education with racist beliefs unquestioned, we cannot be surprised if they go on to commit hate crimes and even become terrorists and suicide bombers. Jeff BloomLondon

It is vital for the democratic health of our societies to maintain the liberal tradition of teaching difficult issues. We have taught two successful courses in Sheffield: one on Muslims in the UK and Europe, and one on Palestine-Israeli issues. You need to establish a safe teaching space, a set of ground rules, have detailed factual data, high-calibre tutorial skills and a degree of bravery to do this properly. The rewards are far greater than the problems caused by not trying. Ted HartleySecretary, Take Part Network